Why Online Sellers in Dubai Need a Trade Licence
If you sell products or services from Dubai using a website, Instagram, WhatsApp or any other online channel on the UAE mainland, you are carrying out a commercial activity that requires a trade licence from the relevant emirate’s economic department. For Dubai, this means a licence from Dubai Economy/Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), even if you operate from home and your “shopfront” is only a social media profile. In parallel, the federal Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) oversees the framework for electronic transactions and eCommerce, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from TDRA is required for the electronic activity.
This article explains how this framework applies in practice, what the DED eTrader (Rukhsat Tajer) licence is, who it is designed for, and how you can apply online if it aligns with your situation.
The Legal Framework: Dubai Economy, TDRA and Mainland eCommerce
On the UAE mainland, eCommerce licensing is handled by each emirate’s economic department. In Dubai, this responsibility rests with the Dubai Economy/Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which issues trade licences for online business activities conducted from or targeted at the emirate. Whether you are using a full eCommerce website or simply taking orders through social media, the activity is still treated as commercial and requires an appropriate Dubai eCommerce licence. Alongside this emirate-level competence, the TDRA operates at the federal level and oversees the overall framework for electronic transactions and eCommerce in the UAE. A TDRA No Objection Certificate for the electronic activity is required for eCommerce operations on the mainland. In practice, this means your online activity needs to be licensed by Dubai Economy/DET and aligned with the TDRA’s federal framework.
When people refer to an “online business licence Dubai mainland”, they may mean several different structures, depending on scale and activity. One specific option developed by Dubai Economy/DET for small-scale, home-based and social media traders is the Dubai Trader Programme. The DED eTrader (Tajer) licence is included in this programme. It offers a structured way for individuals to operate online without setting up a traditional physical shop or company.
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What Is the DED eTrader (Rukhsat Tajer) Licence
The so-called DED eTrader licence in Dubai is officially named Rukhsat Tajer and forms part of the Dubai Trader Programme run by Dubai Economy. It is designed for UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai who wish to conduct small-scale, home-based or social-media-based trading and service activities without establishing a formal company.
The Tajer licence provides legal authorisation for approved online activities, allowing individuals to sell products or promote services through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or personal websites. It grants recognised licensing status for operating from home and may be required when dealing with platforms, suppliers, or payment providers that request evidence of a valid trade licence.
However, the Tajer licence does not create a legal company and does not confer intellectual property rights. Trademark protection, copyright, and other IP rights must be registered separately with the Ministry of Economy or the relevant authorities. Depending on the activity, traders may also require additional approvals, such as import permits, VAT registration, or sector-specific regulatory clearances.
Eligibility, Activities and Key Limitations of the DED eTrader
The DED eTrader licence is available exclusively to UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai. Non-UAE/GCC residents are not eligible for this licence. If you are a Dubai resident but do not hold UAE or GCC nationality, you must apply for a mainland commercial licence or an approved freelancer licence instead, as the eTrader licence cannot be issued to expatriates.
The licence is strictly individual. Only one person can be registered on a single DED eTrader licence; it does not support partners or multiple holders under the same licence. This structure aligns with its core purpose as a freelance online business licence that Dubai residents can use for solo operations rather than multi-owner ventures. In addition, the licence does not allow the issuance of employment (work) visas, so you cannot use it to sponsor staff; it is intended for one individual operating without employees.
A further key condition is the address requirement. The licence holder must provide a physical address located in the emirate of Dubai and include the corresponding “Makani” number, which is Dubai’s official geo-location code for buildings and locations. Dubai Economy/DET records this address and Makani in its internal database, but does not publish the exact location, so your home address remains confidential in public records.
In terms of activities, DED eTrader supports home-based business, freelance work, and trading carried out through social media and similar online platforms. When you apply, you will need to select specific activities from the options available in the Dubai Trader Programme system to ensure that what you actually do online matches the licensed scope.
DED eTrader At A Glance
| Aspect | DED eTrader Position |
|---|---|
| Eligible holders | UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai |
| Type of activities | Freelance work, home-based business, and trade via social media and online platforms |
| Number of licence holders | One individual per licence; multiple persons cannot be listed on the same licence |
| Employment visas | Does not allow issuance of employment (work) visas |
| Address requirement | Physical address must be in Dubai, with the Makani number provided |
| Address confidentiality | Dubai Economy/DET stores location internally; it is not published |
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Step-by-Step: Applying Online for the DED eTrader Licence
The DED E-Trader licence Dubai application process is designed to be entirely online. You begin by creating a user account on the Dubai Trader Programme website. Once your account is set up, you continue by completing your registration electronically through the same portal.
An outline of what you can expect follows a sequence similar to the following. First, you create your profile with your basic personal details, ensuring they match your official identification documents. Next, you select the relevant activity or activities from the list offered under the Dubai Trader Programme, focusing on what you actually intend to do online (for example, selling specific goods or offering particular services through social media). You will then be asked to provide your physical Dubai address and its Makani number, satisfying the requirement that the business be based in the emirate.
The system will typically present you with a summary of your application so you can verify your information before submission. The portal will also display the applicable licence issuance fees and any related charges payable to Dubai Economy/DET at that time. The UAE Government portal makes clear that there is no single standard fee applying to all commercial licences, and that charges vary by licence type and by emirate. For that reason, you should always rely on the amount shown in the Dubai Trader Programme portal at the time of your application and treat it as the official figure, rather than assumptions or third-party estimates.
While DED eTrader is handled via the dedicated Dubai Trader Programme website, it is helpful to be aware of the broader “Invest in Dubai” platform at app.invest.dubai.ae. This is an official single-window system where users can obtain many other Dubai business licences, search and confirm business activities, reserve trade names and manage renewals.
If, after starting with an eTrader licence, you later decide to move to a different structure, Invest in Dubai is likely your starting point. Before you begin trading, ensure that you have also addressed any TDRA-related steps, such as obtaining the required TDRA No Objection Certificate for the electronic activity, in line with the federal framework for eCommerce on the mainland.
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Compliance, Renewals and Coordination with the TDRA
Once issued, your DED eTrader licence becomes part of the wider system of commercial licences overseen by the Dubai Economy/DET. Like other licences, it will be subject to renewal and ongoing compliance. However, the specific renewal process and fees are defined and updated by Dubai Economy/DET and should always be checked through the official portals and communications. From a federal perspective, you also need to stay aligned with the framework for electronic transactions and eCommerce overseen by TDRA.
A TDRA NOC is required for the electronic activity on the mainland, so the Dubai Economy/DET licence and the TDRA requirements should be viewed together, not in isolation, when planning your eCommerce operations. Operationally, ensure that your registered address and Makani number remain accurate.
If you move home within Dubai, it is essential to update your records with Dubai Economy/DET so the licence continues to reflect your real place of business. Equally, you should periodically review whether your actual online activities still match the activities you selected in the Dubai Trader Programme system.
Conclusion: Key Checks Before You Apply for DED eTrader
Before you decide that a DED eTrader is the proper Dubai eCommerce licence for you, work through a short checklist. Confirm that you are a UAE national or GCC national residing in Dubai; define clearly what you will sell or which services you will offer online and through which platforms; verify that these activities match the scope of the Dubai Trader Programme; and ensure you have a valid Dubai address and Makani number available.
Next, prepare to create your user account on the Dubai Trader Programme website, gather your identification details, and review the TDRA NOC requirements relevant to your electronic activity. Remember that all fees and detailed conditions are set and regularly updated by Dubai Economy/DET and the TDRA, so the official portals are your final reference points.
Operating online on the mainland without the necessary trade licence and TDRA NOC does not align with the UAE’s regulatory framework, whereas using a properly issued DED eTrader licence can give your home-based online trading a recognised legal status and help protect your intellectual property as you grow.
FAQ
How to get an eCommerce business licence in Dubai?
For mainland activities, you obtain an eCommerce business license in Dubai from the Dubai Economy/DET. The exact structure depends on your business model: small, home-based and social media sellers who are UAE or GCC nationals may use the DED eTrader (Rukhsat Tajer) licence, while other models may require a different form of trade licence applied for via Invest in Dubai or other DET channels. In all cases, you must also consider the TDRA NOC requirement for your electronic activity.
How to apply for a DED eTrader licence online?
To apply for a DED eTrader licence online, you first create a user account on the official Dubai Trader Programme website. After activating your account, you complete the electronic registration by entering your personal details, selecting the appropriate activities, providing your Dubai address and Makani number, and paying the fees displayed by the system. The process is conducted entirely online, and you should always rely on the instructions and fee information shown in the portal at the time you apply.
Who can apply for the DED eTrader licence in Dubai?
The DED eTrader licence is intended for UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in Dubai. It is not positioned as a universal solution for all residents. If you do not fall into these categories but wish to run an online business, you should contact Dubai Economy/DET or use the Invest in Dubai portal to explore other suitable Dubai Economy eCommerce licence options.
What are the requirements for a DED eTrader licence for social media sellers?
If you are a social media seller considering a DED eTrader licence, the core requirements include: being a UAE or GCC national residing in Dubai; choosing activities compatible with freelance or home-based online trading; registering as a single individual (no partners on the same licence); providing a physical Dubai address and its Makani number; and applying via the Dubai Trader Programme website. You will also need to align your electronic activity with TDRA requirements, including obtaining a TDRA NOC where applicable.
Can I sell on Instagram from Dubai without a licence?
No. Selling online from Dubai requires a valid trade licence. The appropriate licence depends on how and where the business is established. Some free zones issue e-commerce licences that allow online sales to the UAE market, subject to their conditions, but these do not authorise a physical mainland presence. For small, home-based selling carried out from a residential address on the mainland, the DED eTrader (Rukhsat Tajer) licence is the option designed for social-media trading.
Does the DED eTrader licence allow work visas in Dubai?
No. The official description confirms that the DED eTrader licence does not allow the issuance of employment (work) visas. It is therefore most appropriate for solo operators who do not plan to sponsor employees. If your business model requires hiring staff and sponsoring their visas, you should explore alternative licence types with Dubai Economy/DET or through the Invest in Dubai licence portal.
What is the difference between a DED eTrader and an eCommerce licence in Dubai?
DED eTrader is a specific form of licence under the Dubai Trader Programme aimed at UAE and GCC nationals residing in Dubai who conduct freelance, home-based and social media trading. A general eCommerce business licence in Dubai may cover broader activities, different ownership structures, and visa-sponsoring capability, depending on the licence type chosen. Dubai Economy/DET issues both for mainland activities, but the DED eTrader has clear limitations, such as single-holder status and no work visas.
What are the Dubai eCommerce licence TDRA NOC requirements?
For eCommerce activities on the UAE mainland a TDRA No Objection Certificate is required for the electronic activity, in addition to holding a valid trade licence from the relevant economic department. In Dubai, this means your DET eCommerce licence (including DED eTrader where applicable) must be coordinated with the TDRA’s NOC and the federal framework for electronic transactions. The detailed TDRA process is managed directly by the TDRA, so it is advisable to consult their official channels for current requirements.
Explained by
Shaimaa Sayed Qasem
Department of Dubai Economic Services at EGSH
Shaimaa Sayed Qasem is a dedicated service provider at the Department of Dubai Economic Services at EGSH, with seven years of experience delivering business services, supporting clients and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
